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Are you one of those who thinks of your sunset years as a time to slow down on your exercise program? Nonsense. Keeping moving is one of the best ways to improve your strength, coordination and balance, maintaining your independence as you age.
However, you might have decided to give the gym a permanent pass in today’s COVID-19 age. It’s important to prioritize your safety — but you still need the right gear. Here are nine of the best pieces of home exercise equipment for seniors, including tools for every budget.
Resistance bands offer the ultimate in fitness flexibility, and it isn’t only because they’re made of pliable rubber. Are you one of those who plans to spend much of your golden years traveling? If so, you’ll want to add these devices to your must-have list. They slide into a suitcase without taking up much space or adding extra weight.
You can find multiple versions. The best sets come with various weights and attachments to suit every fitness level. A pair of comfort-grip handles makes these gadgets less painful to hold.
If you’ve decided to give the gym a permanent pass, why not invest in some weights for your home? You don’t need a fancy bench setup — a few pairs of inexpensive hand weights should suffice.
The best part? You can buy a full set or mix and match the weights that are perfect for you. The latter method also works if you’re on a budget and putting together your home gym one small step at a time.
Entering your golden years doesn’t necessarily mean hanging up your apron anymore. Some seniors continue to work for financial reasons, while others, such as knowledge workers, find themselves bored without structured tasks to occupy themselves.
Get in a workout in your home office with an under-the-desk bike that lets you pedal while you crunch numbers or copy. You’ll improve your leg and cardiovascular strength while keeping blood flowing to your brain to help you focus.
Do you want to whittle your waistline? You probably learned one of the best exercises for doing so when you were a child.
A hula hoop is the ideal tummy toner to pick up for less than $10. You can find many at dollar stores for just a buck. If you get into the sport, you can upgrade to a weighted model that increases the intensity.
Walking is one of the best cardiovascular exercises you can do. You don’t have to focus on following any complex moves, letting your mind wander while you stroll. Plus, it’s inherently low-impact, easing stress on your joints.
You can further increase your comfort with the right shoes. Look for models with a comfortable fit and a supportive insole that cushions your feet, knees and back with each stride.
Yoga is the ultimate mindfulness practice. You shut the outside world away and focus only on your breath and body movements.
However, practicing on the wrong surface can lead to injury, even broken bones. You need a quality mat that will support you when you try tricky moves. This version uses natural jute for superior sustainability and a surface that won’t slide when it gets sweaty.
How many times have you stood in your kitchen, struggling with a jar lid? Strengthening your hands might seem like a detail you can overlook — until you encounter a package of pickles you can’t open.
A set of hand grips helps you maintain your strength as you get older. You can also stop asking your relatives to help you open this or that — you have it covered.
Do you try to vary your workout? You can make doing so effortless — and more fun — with a set of fitness dice. A few rolls reveals the moves you need to do and the requisite reps.
You can use this tool to get your grandkids moving, too. Children love playing games and participating in physical activity. Get healthier while enjoying a new pastime together.
You could find a massage therapist who specializes in myofascial release — if you have deep pockets. Many insurance plans still fail to cover this holistic treatment.
If you don’t have the big bucks, make a foam roller your friend. It doesn’t take long to master a few moves for deep spine relief. Apply it with pressure to sore muscles to recover from your last tough workout.
You don’t have to go back to the gym to maintain fitness as you age. Stock your home with this best home exercise equipment for seniors and stay healthy through your golden years.
